10 Best Things to Do in Downtown Orlando
What is Downtown Orlando Most Famous For?
The best things to do in Downtown Orlando provide a refreshing alternative to the city’s many theme parks. If you’ve had your fill of amusement rides, aquatic attractions, and selfies with Mickey Mouse, this list is for you!
Downtown Orlando is all about history and culture. Book your hotel here and you’ll be spoilt for choice in terms of restaurants, cool bars, theaters, and late-night clubs. The area is compact, so you can easily walk around its characterful streets—plus, Disney World and Universal Studios are just a short drive away. So, if you’re looking for inspiring Downtown Orlando activities, read on.
What are the best things to do in Downtown Orlando?
1. Church Street
The unofficial center of Downtown
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
If you’re a first-time Orlando visitor, Church Street is the place to stop at when you want to get to know the city a little better. It’s home to some fabulous bars and restaurants like Delaney’s Tavern and The Courtesy. The iconic Old Orlando Railroad Depot (circa 1889) stands as a reminder of the city’s long-lost past, especially as it now sits alongside the modern SunRail Station that links Church Street with three other downtown areas.
Stroll along this bustling street to marvel at its historic architecture or book yourself onto a spooky ghost tour of the area’s most haunted buildings. Come nighttime, catch a laugh-out-loud show at the fabulous SAK Comedy Lab, or dance into the early hours at Studio 27. Read more
Location: 134 W Church St, Orlando, FL 32801, USA
Church Street
2. Kia Center
A multi-purpose sports and entertainment center
Good for: Families, Food, Nightlife
One of Downtown Orlando’s biggest drawcards, the Kia Center is a leading sports and live entertainment venue, located near iconic Church Street Station. Opened in 2010, this sprawling complex acts as an indoor soccer field and basketball court, as well as an ice hockey rink and music hall.
Currently, the Kia Center is home to the city’s three major sports teams: the NBA’s Orlando Magic, the AFL’s Orlando Predators, and the ECHL’s Orlando Solar Bears. It’s known for putting on the hottest festivals too, so it’s certain you’ll find the perfect event whatever season you’re visiting. When it comes to dining, we recommend the lively street food stalls that can be found in Orlando Market on the Terrace Level. Read more
Location: 400 W Church St, Orlando, FL 32801, USA
Phone: +1 407-440-7900
Kia Center
3. Lake Eola Park
Romantic urban greenspace
Good for: Budget, Families, Photo
Orlando’s 23-acre Lake Eola Park features an almost mile-long path around the water’s cinematic perimeter, as well as an amphitheater, children’s playground, a bright red Chinese pagoda, and a famous fountain that comes to life at night with a colorful lightshow.
Lake Eola Park has long been considered one of Orlando’s top playgrounds that doesn’t involve Walt Disney World or Universal Studios. It’s a pleasant downtown haven for picnics, exercise, paddle-boating, and Independence Day fireworks. Don’t miss the farmers’ market every Sunday. Read more
Location: 512 E Washington St, Orlando, FL 32801, USA
Open: Daily from 6 am to midnight
Phone: +1 407-246-4484
Lake Eola Park
4. Orlando Science Center
A hands-on museum that will appeal to families
Good for: Families, History
The range of exhibits at the Orlando Science Center are “designed to inspire curiosity and exploration,” according to this fun interactive museum. What’s more, its dazzling collection of shows, presentations, and live demonstrations offer a fun day out for the whole family.
Highlights include LIFE: an exciting exhibit hall focused on nature and conservation spanning rainforests, oceans, and swamps. There’s also KidsTown, a miniature village packed with interactive role-playing games. For budding paleontologists, DinoDigs is where you can uncover fossilized dinosaurs and inspect huge prehistoric eggs. If you’ve got hungry mouths to feed, order food online from the onsite café before picking up your order (ideal for those who are short on time). Read more
Location: 777 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803, USA
Open: Thursday–Tuesday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Wednesday)
Phone: +1 407-514-2000
Orlando Science Center
5. Wall Street Plaza
Lively entertainment and retail complex
Good for: Shoppers, Food, Nightlife
A hub of day and nighttime entertainment, Wall Street Plaza is one of the top places to have fun in Downtown Orlando. Teeming with shops, restaurants, and bars that turn into electrifying nightclubs after sundown, one can easily start and finish their evening here without ever leaving.
This buzzy outdoor square gets packed out for annual celebrations like New Year’s Eve, Halloween, and St. Patrick’s Day, and hosts local themed parties like RumFest and the Fixtion Pop Brunch. The road is closed off to traffic every Friday and Saturday night for the plaza’s weekly Block Party, which showcases DJs and live music. There’s no cover charge. Read more
Location: 25 Wall St, Orlando, FL 32801, USA
Open: Tuesday–Wednesday from 7 pm to 2 am, Thursday from 6 pm to 2 am, Friday–Saturday from 5 pm to 2 am, Sunday from 1 pm to 12 am (closed on Monday)
Phone: +1 407 917 1999
Wall Street Plaza
6. East End Market
Artisanal vendors in one marketplace
Good for: Families, Shoppers, Food
A 2-story destination that showcases the best of what Central Florida has to offer in terms of food, art, and fresh produce, the East End Market has become one of the city’s premier shopping destinations.
For shopping, find intricately crafted leather goods, artisan cheeses, delicate handcrafted jewelry, and vintage clothing. When it comes to mealtimes, you’ll be spoilt for choice with their world-class restaurants. Fill up on mouthwatering bowls of ramen with handmade noodles from Domu before indulging your sweet tooth with a classic chocolate chip cookie from Gideon’s Bakehouse. Keep an eye on their social media for seasonal goings on in their dedicated event space and demo kitchen.
Location: 3201 Corrine Dr, Orlando, FL 32803, USA
Open: Monday–Thursday from 8 am to 7 pm, Friday–Saturday from 8 am to 9 pm, Sunday from 8 am to 6 pm
Phone: +1 321-236-3316
East End Market
7. Thornton Park
A cool and charming neighborhood
Good for: Couples, History, Shoppers
You’ll think you’ve escaped the city for the suburbs in the leafy neighborhood of Thornton Park, east of Lake Eola. Discover plenty of hip cafés and groundbreaking galleries here, set along quaint, cobbled streets.
At the TPD Circle, there’s a weekly night market that features a carefully curated selection of local makers and artists. Visit the Stubborn Mule for a craft beer on their shaded patio or rock out to live music at The Abbey. If you want to join the Wine and Art Walk (it’s held once a month on every second Thursday), purchase tickets in advance to save money. You’ll enjoy creative works by local vendors, sample regional vino, and be entertained by DJs and live musicians. Read more
Location: Thornton Park, Orlando, FL 32801, USA
Thornton Park
8. Downtown clubs
A collection of high-energy party spots
Good for: Couples, Nightlife
Downtown Orlando (also known as the Central Business District) is the place to come if you want to party into the late hours, away from the throngs of families at Disney World and Universal Studios. For relentless dance music, check out the neon-lit Eve club on Orange Avenue or venture into a world of lasers and lights at the highly rated Tier Nightclub.
The Beacham features a huge floor space in a converted old warehouse and is famed for its knockout live bands and DJ sets. Barcodes is super popular with the LGBTQI+ community thanks to its friendly staff, pool tables, and themed TV nights that screen fabulous US shows like Ru Paul’s Drag Race.
Location: Central Business District, Orlando, FL 32801, USA
Downtown clubs
9. CityArts
A quirky local art gallery
Good for: Couples, Families, History
This is where you’ll find the largest collection of art in the whole of Orlando! Located within walking distance of both Lake Eola and Florida’s famous Church Street, the multi-story CityArts is home to both locally produced and international pieces spanning classic and contemporary genres.
There are seven individual galleries to admire, while exclusive and rotating exhibits ensure that every visit is exciting and fresh. Take a moment to reflect on the art you’ve seen over a coffee in the onsite café—proceeds help support local artists. Admission to CityArts is free. Check their online calendar for special events before visiting.
Location: 39 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL 32801, USA
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +1 407-648-7060
CityArts
10. Orange County Convention Center
An award-winning exhibition hall
Good for: Couples, Families, Nightlife
The Orange County Convention Center is the main public convention center in Central Florida. Various events and exhibitions are held daily at the venue, ranging from ballet recitals and antiques roadshows to motorcycle expos and fitness competitions.
This expansive complex is divided into three concourses and connects directly to the Hyatt Regency Orlando Resort. Visitors are welcome to check out the weekly events calendar online, as well as purchase tickets to any public event or exposition they might be interested in. While you’re there, log onto the free Wi-Fi. Between events, dig into grass-fed burgers at SEAR, samosas at Mint Indian, and cheesy pizzas at La Mia Famiglia. Read more
Location: 9800 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
Phone: +1 407-685-9800
Orange County Convention Center
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.